Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe

🍏 Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug, Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are it. This indulgent treat is a brilliant blend of sweet, soft apples wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, all baked in a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce with a secret ingredient: soda.

Our version stays true to the soul of the original while introducing a creamy twist that adds even more decadence. Imagine baked apples inside flaky golden pastry, surrounded by a syrupy, buttery, creamy sauce that soaks into the edges. Serve it warm, top it with ice cream, and prepare for absolute comfort.

This is more than dessert — it’s a cozy, nostalgic experience in every bite.

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🛒 Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of simple, store-friendly ingredients to bring these dumplings to life:

For the Dumplings:

• 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored)
• 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup heavy cream (for creamy twist)

For the Soda Base:

• ¾ cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up — not diet)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core the apples, then slice each one into 8 wedges. You’ll have 16 slices total — perfect for 16 crescent triangles.

Step 3: Wrap in Dough

Open the crescent roll packages and separate the triangles. Wrap each apple wedge in a triangle of dough, starting at the wide end and rolling up. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the heavy cream last. This makes the sauce extra smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Pour & Add Soda

Pour the creamy cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dumplings. Then, slowly pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan — not directly over the dumplings — to help create that bubbling caramel effect while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops are golden and the sauce is thick and bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let cool slightly before serving — the sauce thickens more as it rests. These are best served warm with a spoonful of sauce drizzled on top.

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💡 Expert Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith — they balance the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.
• Do not use diet soda — it won’t caramelize properly.
• Avoid overbaking — once the dumplings are golden and bubbly, pull them out.
• For a crisper top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

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🍨 Serving Suggestions

• Top with vanilla ice cream — the hot-cold contrast is irresistible.
• Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for even more richness.
• Serve in shallow bowls to catch the sauce and melted ice cream together.
• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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📦 Storage & Reheating

• To store: Cool completely, then refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Microwave individual servings for 30–40 seconds or bake covered at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Do not freeze: The dough becomes soggy when thawed.

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🔄 Flavor Variations

• Peach Dumplings: Replace apples with fresh peach slices for a summer version.
• Cinnamon Roll Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the sauce.
• Bourbon Vanilla Sauce: Swap 1 tbsp of cream with bourbon for an adult twist.
• Maple Cream Version: Use ¼ cup maple syrup + ¼ cup cream in place of heavy cream for a fall-inspired flavor.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, but store-bought crescent dough is part of the charm and speed of this recipe.

What soda works best?
Sprite, 7Up, or Mountain Dew all work well. Avoid any dark sodas or anything with strong coloring.

Can I leave out the cream?
Yes, but the creaminess adds an elevated texture to the sauce.

Can I use apples with skin on?
It’s not recommended — peeling helps them cook down evenly and absorb the sauce better.

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🔢 Nutrition (Approx. per serving, yields 8)

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients used.

Print

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📌 Pinterest Description

Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings (Inspired Creamy Version) – Buttery crescent-wrapped apples baked in a rich cinnamon-butter sauce with a splash of soda and cream. So easy, so indulgent.
✨ Ingredients: apples, crescent rolls, butter, sugar, cinnamon, cream, soda
📌 Save this cozy dessert now for holidays, potlucks, or family nights!
#AppleDumplings #PioneerWomanDessert #EasyBaking #CreamyAppleDessert #FallRecipes #CrescentRollDessert